The bill aims to enhance the scheduling and taking of meal and rest breaks for hospital workers in Washington State, recognizing the importance of these breaks for both employee well-being and patient care. It introduces new provisions that clarify the rights of healthcare workers regarding their breaks, particularly in light of the increasing prevalence of longer work shifts in hospitals. The bill amends RCW 49.12.480 to ensure that employers provide uninterrupted meal and rest breaks, with specific exceptions for unforeseeable circumstances. It also allows for the combination of meal and rest periods under certain conditions, and introduces a framework for waiving meal and rest period requirements, provided that such waivers are voluntary and documented.

Additionally, the bill mandates that employers maintain records of missed meal and rest periods and submit quarterly reports to the Department of Labor and Industries detailing the number of missed and waived breaks. The provisions regarding reporting do not apply to certain hospitals until July 1, 2026. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, ensuring that healthcare workers' rights to breaks are clearly defined and protected in the evolving landscape of hospital work environments.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 49.12.480
Substitute Bill: 49.12.480
Bill as Passed Legislature: 49.12.480
Session Law: 49.12.480